The Panthers used an ineligible player in football, causing the team to forfeit 14 games and an appearance in the 6A state championship game.

July 6, 2011|By Austin Lyon, Orlando Sentinel

Dr. Phillips will forfeit every victory from its most successful football season in school history.

"We had received information that a player may have been living out of district,'' athletic director John Magrino wrote in an email to the Sentinel. "The information was turned over to OCPS [Orange County Public Schools], and after a full investigation, it was confirmed that the residential documentation provided by the family was not accurate..

"Because of this information, we followed FHSAA rules by self-reporting the results of this investigation and will be forfeiting all victories in football and men's weightlifting in which the student-athlete participated."

New Orange County athletic director Gary Preisser commended Dr. Phillips for its decision.

"We're pleased that Dr. Phillips took the right steps in handling this situation," Preisser said. "It's unfortunate for those kids who had a tremendous season, but we're happy that DP did things the right way."

The Panthers dominated Central Florida on their way to a 14-1 record and an appearance in the Class 6A state championship game. Dr. Phillips averaged more than 48 points per game while allowing just more than 10.

DP, which won every regular-season game by at least four touchdowns, lost 42-27 to Miami Central in the 6A title game in December.

"It's a disappointment, but at the same time, as soon as we found out this kid was ineligible, we went through the process of finding out what happened," Dr. Phillips Principal Eugene Trochinski said.

"We preach all the time that things should be done the right way all the time."

Florida High School Athletic Association media specialist Seth Polansky confirmed the association is looking into a situation regarding student-athlete eligibility at Dr. Phillips, but said he couldn't comment further until the situation has been resolved.

Trochinski said the school found out the results of its investigation last week and self-reported to the FHSAA last Tuesday.

"I spoke personally with Denarvise Thornton [FHSAA associate executive director for compliance and eligibility services] and gave him everything we knew," Trochinski said. "I don't know what type of medicine we'll get from FHSAA, but it is what it is. We'll take our medicine and move on.

"It wasn't like he was even a starter on our team, but he dressed out for games and that's that.''

Dr. Phillips is the first school in 40 years to forfeit its appearance in the state championship game.